NMFO: New Mexico named finalist for Film Commission of the Year
New Mexico Film Office Nominated for Prestigious Awards.
Michelle Lujan Grisham
Governor
Rob Black
Cabinet Secretary-Designate
Steve Graham
Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 21, 2026
Contact: Jey Bernal
Jey@NMFilm.com
New Mexico named finalist for Film Commission of the Year
State also shortlisted for diversity, equity and inclusion award at Cannes
SANTA FE — New Mexico is competing against California, New Zealand and Australia for Film Commission of the Year at the 2026 Global Production Awards, one of the film industry’s most prestigious international honors.
The New Mexico Film Office is a finalist for Film Commission of the Year — State, Province & National, presented by Screen International at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18. The Office is also nominated for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award for "Rooted Representation: Authentic Storytelling in New Mexico,” for the series “Dark Winds,” which focuses on culturally authentic storytelling and expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities behind and in front of the camera.
“To be shortlisted alongside California and New Zealand is a significant honor,” said Steve Graham , director of the New Mexico Film Office. “This recognition reflects the strength of our local crews, the growth we’re seeing across the industry, and the tangible opportunities film and television production are creating for New Mexicans statewide.”
The Film Commission of the Year nomination recognizes the New Mexico Film Office’s filmmaker-focused approach, including competitive production incentives, diverse filming locations and expanding studio infrastructure that has drawn major productions to communities across the state.
Fellow finalists at the Global Production Awards include Netflix, NBCUniversal and HBO. Judges include Andy Harries, executive chairman of Left Bank Pictures — the production company behind The Crown — Yasmine Lintmeijer, head of Disney Studios Australia; and Melissa Heuer, principal for economic development policy at Amazon MGM Studios.
Film and television production supports thousands of jobs and has generated more than $3 billion in direct economic impact over the past five years in New Mexico. That activity also fuels a wide range of local industries, including construction, hospitality, and real estate.
For more information about the New Mexico Film Office, visit nmfilm.com .
The New Mexico Film Office (NMFO), a division of the Economic Development Department, works to ensure the longevity and progress of New Mexico’s film incentive, grow the film, television, and digital media industry, and expand entertainment economic opportunities for New Mexico businesses and residents.
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To learn more, visit nmfilm.com .
The New Mexico Film Office
1100 S. St. Francis Drive, Suite 1242
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 476-5600
info@nmfilm.com
A division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department
The Economic Development Department's Mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive.
New Mexico Economic Development Department | 1100 South St. Francis Dr Joseph M. Montoya Building | Santa Fe, NM 87505-4147 US
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